Akshay Kumar's 'Gabbar' left with no lead actress

After Shraddha Kapoor opted out of Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Shabina Khan’s next production Gabbar starring Akshay Kumar, the makers are finding themselves in a fix as the shoot was slated for next month. The film is being directed by South director Krish.

Shraddha Kapoor and Akshay Kumar

Says a source, “They have limited time in hand as Akshay has already allotted his dates. If casting is not ASAP, his dates will be wasted which is not affordable.”

The film is a remake of the 2002 Tamil film Ramanna which was directed by A R Murugadoss.

A source says, “Ever since the film was announced there have been speculation about the female lead in the film. Initially, makers were in talks with actresses like Katrina Kaif, Asin, Ileana D’Cruz, Shruti Hassan and Tamannah Bhatia.”

It is said that Asin, Tamannah and Shruti were in advanced talks, but they decided against taking up the offer. Shraddha came to the rescue, but she too made an exit even before the film could go on the floors.

The source continues, “Shraddha was supposed to begin shooting next month. As she is not part of the film, we are back to square one and will have to start looking for a leading lady once again.

Meanwhile, rumours suggests that the production house is also going through some budgetary issues as well and may have to look for another production house to back them.